Do Luxury Trains Have Showers? What to Expect Onboard

Ever wondered if you can really take a good shower on a luxury train? It’s not a silly question—standing under hot water as the landscape slips by sounds dreamy, right? In reality, showers on luxury trains are a mixed bag. Some trains go all out with roomy private showers in your suite. Others have shared showers at the end of the car or—believe it or not—no proper shower at all, just a posh sink for freshening up.

Certain routes, like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, are so obsessed with old-school glamour they skip showers entirely in most cabins, offering just washbasins. Meanwhile, trains like South Africa’s Rovos Rail give you a private en-suite bathroom complete with an actual shower (yes, with hot water!). So, if a real scrub is important to you, checking what kind of cabin you’re booking matters a lot.

Bathroom design on these trains is a quirky mix of comfort and space-saving tricks. Some, like the Belmond Royal Scotsman, squeeze a shower into the en-suite by clever use of sliding doors and fold-down benches. You might find yourself showering with a view if you time things right—though you’ll want to keep the blinds pulled for those longer station stops.

• Luxury Trains: What Makes Bathrooms Different?
• Breakdown: Showers Onboard Iconic Trains
• Private vs. Shared Facilities—What’s Standard?
• Space, Water, and Hot Showers: What’s Realistic?
• What to Pack for Train Showers
• Luxury Train Myths Busted

Luxury Trains: What Makes Bathrooms Different?

When it comes to luxury trains, the bathroom experience can be a real surprise compared to hotels or even airplanes. Space is always at a premium on a train, so every square inch counts. Unlike regular train bathrooms that are usually basic and often cramped, luxury trains aim to make every moment pampering—including time spent freshening up.

The real difference? It’s all about design and attention to detail. Picture polished brass fixtures, fluffy towels, and toiletries that put airport lounges to shame. Some trains even toss in extras like heated floors or art on the walls. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, for instance, managed to fit a full shower inside a moving train by tucking it into a clever corner with smart doors that double as space-savers.

Not every luxury train is the same, though. Some routes, like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, stick with tradition—most cabins get an old-school washbasin and plush towels, but no shower. Meanwhile, trains like the Maharajas’ Express in India or Rovos Rail in South Africa feel more like rolling boutique hotels, with en-suite showers in many categories.

Fixtures aren’t the only thing that stands out. Water usage is controlled, so expect showers with clever pressure-adjusting taps. And because these trains travel across borders, you’ll often see bilingual instructions stuck near the taps, just to keep everyone happy (and dry, rather than accidentally spraying down the floor).

Here’s a quick breakdown of some bathroom features you’ll actually find on different luxury trains:

• Private en-suite bathrooms with full showers—common on newer or refurbished trains like the Belmond Andean Explorer.
• Shared showers at the end of the carriage—less private, but still a step up from regular trains, like on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian.
• Cabins with only a washbasin and communal toilet—classic, seen on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Interestingly, some trains split the difference, offering different bathroom types depending on your fare class. If you’re picky about your shower, booking the right cabin or suite makes all the difference. The details are always listed—at least on reputable booking sites or the train company’s own page—so double-check before you hit “book.”

Breakdown: Showers Onboard Iconic Trains

Not all luxury trains treat showers the same way. Some offer full-size showers in your private suite, while others keep things basic or communal. Here’s how the most famous luxury train journeys stack up.

• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe): Surprisingly, most cabins don’t have private showers—just a stylish washbasin. If you want a shower, you’ll need to book the Grand Suites, which come with a private en-suite shower, but those tickets are seriously pricey.
• Rovos Rail (South Africa): Every compartment (except the smallest Pullman) has a private shower, even in the mid-range Deluxe Suites. Hot water, decent water pressure, and a bit more space than you’d expect on wheels.
• Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland): All cabins come with a compact en-suite featuring a hot shower, toilet, and sink. It’s tight but super convenient after a long day of Highland sightseeing.
• Maharajas’ Express (India): Deluxe cabins have private bathrooms with showers. The top-level Presidential Suite has a full bath with a tub and a separate shower, so you won’t miss hotel comforts.
• Eastern & Oriental Express (Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore): State and Presidential cabins have en-suites with showers. The Pullman cabins share shower facilities at the end of the car, so check cabin types before booking.

If you like seeing things visually, here’s a quick reference for train showers on these popular routes:

So, when planning your next luxury train adventure, always check the small print. "Luxury" isn't always code for private showers—sometimes, it’s more about the lavish dining, etiquette, and the views flying by than about the bathroom. But if a great, steamy shower after a day of exploring is make-or-break for you, now you’re armed with the facts.

Private vs. Shared Facilities—What’s Standard?

Talking about luxury trains, not all bathrooms are created equal. The type of shower you get can really depend on which train you’re on, what ticket you book, and how much you’re willing to spend. Some cabins on classic trains look glamorous in photos, but when you zoom in, the private shower might be missing.

The most famous example of this? The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Most of the historic cabins have no showers—just a sink and toilet tucked behind a polished door. Only the top-tier Grand Suites come with showers, and those tickets are serious splurges. Meanwhile, on the Rovos Rail in South Africa, every cabin comes with its own en-suite bathroom, even in the entry-level Pullman Suites. That means hot showers are part of the everyday package there, not just a fancy upgrade. Here’s a quick look at some real-world setups:

But private doesn’t always mean huge. On most train bathrooms, you’re working with a small wet room—think airplane-sized, but done up with way nicer towels and toiletries. Shared facilities aren’t really a thing in the world of luxury train journeys anymore, at least not if you’re paying for more than the basic cabin. When in doubt, always check the train’s website or ask your travel agent, because exceptions still pop up from time to time.

Here’s a tip: On heritage trains like the British Pullman or Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu, the focus is more on the journey and communal experience—so sometimes, you might still face shared shower arrangements or just get a chic place to freshen up. If having a private shower is a non-negotiable for you, double-check cabin categories before booking.

"In most modern luxury trains, private en-suite showers have become standard by popular demand, especially after 2020. But on a few iconic routes, tradition beats convenience." — Justin Francis, co-founder of Responsible Travel

So the short answer? On almost all luxury train rides these days, a private shower is standard, especially if you’re not booking the budget cabin. The exception: ultra-luxe, historic trains, where the romance of ’20s style sometimes wins over modern plumbing.

Space, Water, and Hot Showers: What’s Realistic?

If you’re picturing a spa-style walk-in shower on a luxury train, real life is a bit more practical. Most train cabins have to fit a lot into a small area, so even on the fanciest routes, showers usually aren’t big. You’ll see clever setups—compact stalls, pull-down benches, or showers that double as the whole bathroom. For example, on the Eastern & Oriental Express, an en-suite shower might be just big enough to turn around, and your towel bar could double as a grab handle when the train lurches. It’s all about smart design, not sprawling space.

Hot water is standard on almost all premium train showers, but don’t expect endless rain-style showers like at a luxury hotel. On trains like India’s Maharajas’ Express, hot water tanks are often small and refill on a schedule. Some guests report that if everyone on your car showers at the same hour (say, before dinner), the supply can run low. If you want reliable hot water, try to time your shower when other guests aren’t all doing the same thing.

Water pressure is another thing people ask about. It usually can’t beat home but is strong enough for a comfortable, quick wash. You may notice a gentle trickle, especially if the train is stopped and refilling its tanks, but when moving, the system usually keeps up. Still, most staff will suggest short showers—to help everyone get enough hot water during the trip.

Here’s how the most famous luxury train journeys stack up for showers and bathroom space:

One tip: if you’re picky about water pressure or shower space, check your cabin details before booking. On many trains, the standard cabins have shared facilities and tighter quarters, but a suite upgrade can mean a real difference in comfort. And don’t forget—train staff are pros at keeping everything running, so if you ever run into issues with hot water, let them know. They usually have a fix or can tell you the best time to grab a shower.

What to Pack for Train Showers

Packing smart for train showers makes a world of difference—especially when space is tight and you want to avoid frantic suitcase searches. No matter if you're taking luxury trains across Europe, India, or South Africa, some basics will always help you feel fresh and comfortable.

• Travel-size toiletries: Keep liquids under 100 ml if you're flying before or after. Go for leak-proof bottles to avoid any soapy disasters in your bag.
• Flip-flops or shower shoes: Even on the fanciest luxury train, shared showers can get slippery, and you’ll thank yourself for packing something easy to slip on your feet.
• Quick-dry towel: Sometimes you get plush towels; sometimes it’s a thin one. A microfiber travel towel takes up no space and dries super fast.
• Shower bag or hanging toiletry kit: Cabins and bathrooms are tiny. Having all your stuff in one hanging kit stops things from getting wet or rolling away in a moving train.
• Face wipes or dry shampoo: For those mornings when your slot is taken or the train makes a sudden stop—trust me, these are life savers.
• Waterproof pouch for gadgets: If you listen to podcasts in the shower or bring your phone everywhere, a simple pouch avoids water damage and accidental slips.

Most high-end luxury trains like the Eastern & Oriental Express or the Maharajas' Express do provide quality soap and shampoo, but if you have sensitive skin (or a signature scent you love), bring your own.

Worried about electricity or hair tools? Most top-tier trains have a hairdryer in your cabin, though you might have to ask the attendant to borrow it. Outlets can be rare in bathrooms, so charge devices back at your bed.

If you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs too—the rattling of water through old pipes in motion can be surprisingly loud at night! That’s it: a little planning goes a long way to making your luxury train shower the least stressful part of your trip.

Luxury Train Myths Busted

There’s a ton of confusion out there about what luxury trains actually offer, especially when it comes to showers and bathrooms. Let’s set the record straight so you know exactly what you’re getting before you book that fancy trip.

Myth 1: Every luxury train has private showers in all cabins. Not true. Even with the high price tag, some iconic luxury trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express don’t have en-suite showers for most guests. Only the newest or priciest suites (like the Grand Suites) might offer this. Standard cabins? You’ll find a sink, but showers are a different story.

Myth 2: Train showers are tiny and always cramped. Yes, some are compact, but not all feel like a phone booth. Trains like the Maharajas’ Express and Rovos Rail have en-suites that rival a nice hotel—think proper cubicles, good water pressure, and even real toiletries. The big factor is which cabin or class you choose.

Myth 3: Water runs out all the time. Modern luxury trains plan water use carefully. For instance, the Belmond Royal Scotsman limits long, steamy showers, but you’re not likely to end up soapy and stuck. On longer rides, bathrooms may be serviced mid-journey to top up supplies.

Here’s a quick comparison that shows how train showers differ across some top routes:

Myth 4: You’ll get full hotel-style bathrooms no matter where you go. Not always. Some classic trains keep things nostalgic—sinks with porcelain taps, plus shared shower cars at best. Modern trains in India, South Africa, or Canada are more likely to go all-in on private bathrooms for everyone. If privacy is a must, check the train’s specific cabin features before pulling out your credit card.

If you’re after a real shower, check the cabin type and route before booking your luxury train journey. That little detail can make all the difference between a splash-and-dash and a proper spa moment on rails.